High stakes for US science

摘要

Science rarely takes the stage in US presidential campaigns. But as President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney make their final bids for votes on 6 November, their sharply contrasting visions of the size and proper role of government have profound implications for science. In the face of a sluggish economy and competition from countries such as China, "we've got to make sure that we've got the best science and research in the world", Obama said during his second debate with Romney, on 16 October.